Manufacturing method of carbon and glass fabric composites with dispersed nanofibers using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding

Fiber-reinforced composites have favorable structural characteristics such as their light weight, high specific strength, and high stiffness. Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), used for manufacturing these composites, is relatively simple and provides materials with excellent mechanical properties. In this study, the author investigated the utility of VARTM in improving the performance of a carbon nanofiber (CNF)/carbon fiber composite impregnated with thermosetting resin. Processing parameters were determined, and the integrity of the manufactured composites was assessed. Carbon and glass fibers were used as reinforcing materials in an epoxy resin matrix. CNFs, which have excellent thermal and electrical characteristics, were dispersed in the composites. The pore sizes using the 0°/90°- and 90°/45° types of laminates were about 45 and 50 μm, respectively. The integrated composites produced had low porosity (below 3.7 × 10^-5%).